Sharon M. French

AMERICA’S FLAG

So proudly I stand looking up at the blue sky, thoughtfully thinking of God and the American Flag that is flowing in the gentle wind. Rich red and white colors bear the Stars and Stripes; the stars representing every State joining to form a Free America.

As I am in deep thought, I hope all Americans, no matter what race or creed they are, will look up to the flag with respect. For all should know the price men and women have paid for this flag that represents freedom.

Freedom that, at a great cost, has taken many lives and has left some with permanent injuries; scars that show the bravery it took to keep America’s Flag flying. The Symbol of Freedom – without this Flag there would be no Freedom. This is why we should pay tribute to America’s Flag in honor of Americans who have gone to war, in order to protect this freedom of ours.

When riots and demonstrations break out, I believe it is a disgrace when individuals burn or show disrespect towards the flag. Do they not realize that maybe some of their relatives or family members may have fought and died to keep this flag flying? Maybe they should keep in mind that if they did this in another county they would be shot for their actions. For in certain countries they have no right to express themselves. They have to do what the Government says or risk imprisonment and/or certain death. If one wishes to protest they should do it with a pen or pencil or talk, not by destruction and riots.

Those who burn and trample the American Flag are no better than vandals, who have no respect for anyone. They, to me, would be the same type that would break tombstones, desecrate Sacred Ground, spray paint property, or break windows for the fun of it, at others expense.

Whenever we pass the American Flag we should take a moment to show our gratitude with a little prayer for those that have given up their lives for God and Freedom in the United States of America, not only for our Soldiers, but for all American casualties of war.